We hear the community’s concerns about the membership of the Fire and Police Commission, and we are seeking greater inclusiveness and transparency in the selection of Commission members.

By state statute, the task of appointing members of the Commission rests with the Mayor, and each of those appointments is subject to confirmation by the Common Council. Currently, there are two vacancies on the seven-member Commission, and we are seeking a community vetting process for these appointments.

To be clear, we will not support any Commission candidate who does not go through a public vetting process. Also, we are supporting possible changes to the current process that would allow the public to submit the names of potential Commission appointees. We have suggestions about how agencies/community partners could be involved as well.

We believe a more inclusive process is needed so that the Fire and Police Commission more closely mirrors our diverse community, and we are hopeful that we can see positive change that will move our city forward.